Potato processing firm Albert Bartlett has secured a £4 million grant from the Scottish Government to expand into new markets and increase its manufacturing capacity.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) funding, the largest ever grant issued under the initiative, will contribute towards a £17m investment by the firm into a major building extension, as well as the installation of new processing equipment to facilitate the introduction of new product lines.

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Overall, the funding will allow the company to diversify into the growing convenience and chilled potato market, creating 35 new jobs.

Announcing the award during a visit to the firm's plant in Airdrie, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "This award will help Albert Bartlett diversify their products, move into new markets, create new jobs and safeguard existing posts. Today's £4 million announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to help food and drink companies, large and small, take their businesses to the next level while building on our reputation as a land of food and drink."

Mark Murray, Managing Director of Albert Bartlett's added value business, said: "We are grateful for this grant from the Scottish Government, which is essential in allowing the company to diversify into the growing convenience and chilled potato market."

(LM)